5 Quick Make-Ahead Ideas for the Big Game

With SuperBowl weekend right around the corner, I'm looking for tons of flavor on a budget and need stuff I can set-up ahead of time. Here's my list of 5 great Game Day favorites:

1. Can't watch a game without chips and dip! BLT Dip and Cheesy Bean Dip are my favorites for this year. In a hurry - toss together 1 T. each minced onion, beef bouillion, and 1/2 tsp. garlic with 8 oz. sour cream for instant French Onion Dip.

2. Taquitos - love tortillas - and tightly rolled around some yummy filling - sure to be a big hit! it's also a great way to stretch a buck!

3. Cubed cheese and crackers - simple as cubing the cheese and opening a box of crackers - even your hubby or kids could do this one!

4. Sweet and Tangy Meatballs - skip the noodles and turn this entree into an instant appetizer!

5. Asian Style Boneless Chicken Wings - can't have game day without chicken wings - though if you're looking for something different - try this: Buffalo-Style Shrimp.

3 Ways to keep the snacks healthier:

1. Use light sour cream and cream cheese only when making the dips. Honestly, no one will notice the difference.
2. Each veggie based items like salsa, veggie dips, or even put out a tray of baby carrots and celery sticks.
3. Bake isntead of frying: the taquitos are baked instead of fried, and you can do this to the meatballs too. Remember, every little bit helps.

Beverage on a budget:

1. Keep tons of flavored lemonade, Sweet Tea, and 2 L. bottles of soda.
2. BYOB - if someone wants alcohol - let them bring it - you're already making all the snacks!
3. If you're going to buy alcohol, go to your local grocery store, start eyeing the ones with coupons on them. You might even get a free pizza for buying a certain brand of beer. No one can say no to free pizza....can they?